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Navigating participation in contested seas: Stakeholder perceptions of participatory governance in Germany’s North Sea marine protected areas

Boll, Sophie LU (2026) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20261
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are promising tools to protect and restore marine ecosystems among a global biodiversity loss crisis, yet their socio-ecological effectiveness can be limited by a lack of stakeholder participation in their governance. This thesis examines the case of participatory governance in Germany’s three exclusive economic zone (EEZ) MPAs in the North Sea. Drawing on participatory governance theory and related concepts, it analyses stakeholder perceptions of governance, their participation in decision-making processes, and barriers and pathways to more meaningful participation. Semi-structured interviews (n=10) with key stakeholder groups were conducted and thematically analysed. Findings highlight predominantly negative... (More)
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are promising tools to protect and restore marine ecosystems among a global biodiversity loss crisis, yet their socio-ecological effectiveness can be limited by a lack of stakeholder participation in their governance. This thesis examines the case of participatory governance in Germany’s three exclusive economic zone (EEZ) MPAs in the North Sea. Drawing on participatory governance theory and related concepts, it analyses stakeholder perceptions of governance, their participation in decision-making processes, and barriers and pathways to more meaningful participation. Semi-structured interviews (n=10) with key stakeholder groups were conducted and thematically analysed. Findings highlight predominantly negative perceptions of MPA governance. Participation was perceived as having limited influence across all stakeholder groups, with political will, capacity and resources, and transparency and communication identified as main barriers for meaningful participation. To enable meaningful participation, the study concludes that institutionalized, deliberative participation formats that address inherent power imbalances within MPA governance are key. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Boll, Sophie LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Sustainability Science, participatory governance, marine protected areas, socio-ecological effectiveness, perceptions
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2026:027
language
English
id
9231622
date added to LUP
2026-06-05 16:18:36
date last changed
2026-06-05 16:18:36
@misc{9231622,
  abstract     = {{Marine protected areas (MPAs) are promising tools to protect and restore marine ecosystems among a global biodiversity loss crisis, yet their socio-ecological effectiveness can be limited by a lack of stakeholder participation in their governance. This thesis examines the case of participatory governance in Germany’s three exclusive economic zone (EEZ) MPAs in the North Sea. Drawing on participatory governance theory and related concepts, it analyses stakeholder perceptions of governance, their participation in decision-making processes, and barriers and pathways to more meaningful participation. Semi-structured interviews (n=10) with key stakeholder groups were conducted and thematically analysed. Findings highlight predominantly negative perceptions of MPA governance. Participation was perceived as having limited influence across all stakeholder groups, with political will, capacity and resources, and transparency and communication identified as main barriers for meaningful participation. To enable meaningful participation, the study concludes that institutionalized, deliberative participation formats that address inherent power imbalances within MPA governance are key.}},
  author       = {{Boll, Sophie}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Navigating participation in contested seas: Stakeholder perceptions of participatory governance in Germany’s North Sea marine protected areas}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}